SURF TRAVEL | SUNZAL Is Calling

SUNZAL

By Sandra Olson

Most people will warn you not to go to El Salvador, after all, guerrillas, gangs and violent crime dominate the news and would make you think the whole country had spiraled into danger and desperation.

But nothing could be further from the truth. While gang violence and civil waresque environments can still be found, it’s all about where you go, and who you’re with.

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Casa Sunzal | www.airbnb.com/rooms/10339621

SUNZAL

By Sandra Olson

We could never grow tired of visiting El Salvador. The excitement of a culture and economy so different from what we know in the United States is alluring, and a simpler life, filled with delicious meals, kind people, and incredible surf, are just some of the many things that have called us back every year since 2011.

Most people will warn you not to go to El Salvador, after all, guerrillas, gangs and violent crime dominate the news and would make you think the whole country had spiraled into danger and desperation.

But nothing could be further from the truth. While gang violence and civil waresque environments can still be found, it’s all about where you go, and who you’re with.

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“

We leave something of ourselves behind when we leave a place, we stay there, even though we go away. And there are things in us that we can find

”

again only by going back there.

- Pascal Mercier

Author of “Surfer Girls Kick Ass”, Tiffany Manchester, charging Sunzal, El Salvador Photo: Rudy Ortiz wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 179

“

To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, To gain all while you give, To roam the roads of lands remote,

�

To travel is to live.

- Hans Christian Andersen

Dan Olson | Photo: L. Stewart

Dan Olson, Sunzal, El Salvador | Photo: Chris Stewart 180 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

El Tunco, El Salvador | Photo: Gabeto Fernandez

SUNZAL Staying close to the coastlines eliminates the majority of said dangers, and renting a safe and comfortable beach house can be easily done with a little research. A bonus? Most house rentals come with a groundskeeper/ caretaker, that also doubles as a security guard and driver, and their family members are often available for cooking, cleaning and laundry, at a fraction of US prices, making it an affordable surf destination. Best of all?

You’re supporting the local economy, and these families.

One such beach house that stole our hearts is owned by a Salvadoran that we’ve grown to love, Myrna Melgar, who splits her time between her family’s home in Sunzal, and San Diego, CA. Located on the coast only 35 minutes from San Salvador airport, CASA SUNZAL is ideally located within just a few minutes’ walk from Sunzal, an amazing right-hand point break.

We’ve been drawn to this house because of its simplicity, cozy and romantic pool, safe gated grounds, and enough beds to sleep up to 10 people, making it a great property for groups and families. The full kitchen allows for easy and convenient meal preparation, which is a great way to control your budget, and a quick 5 minute walk down the street gives you access to a Salvadoran favorite, Pupusas! wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 181

Outdoor lounge at Casa Sunzal

Poolside at Casa Sunzal

El Tunco, El Salvador | Photo: Gabeto Fernandez

Dan, Limousina & Chepe- Casa Sunzal’s property manager & driver

SUNZAL

Justin & Dan, riding the local bus for 25 cents Casa Sunzal

A simple yet tasty local food made from masa (corn flour), shaped into small patties and filled with cheese, frijoles or meat, then pan fried to perfection and topped with cabbage and salsa, for only 50 cents each. You’re able to stuff yourself without breaking the bank and again, you’re also supporting the hard working locals.

Want a little more than pupusas and don’t feel like cooking? The nearby town of El Tunco offers everything you need for a great surf vacation. From unique, multilevel surf bars, to pizza, ice cream, surf shops, shopping and nightlife, El Tunco is a friendly little surf town that you’ll find yourself cruising the beach to, almost daily.

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CJ at Casa Sunzal

Casa Sunzal | www.airbnb.com/rooms/10339621

Kerry Mcdonald, Sunzal, El Salvador Photo: L. Stewart wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 183

Pat Williams aka “Tio Pa’tio” | Sunzal, El Salvador | Photo: Rudy Ortiz

SUNZAL But the real reason we’re there... the surf!

Out of 12 countries and over 80+ breaks that we’ve surfed over the past 20 years, Sunzal ranks in the top 3 of my personal, all-time favorite waves.

A wave that seemingly breaks almost every day, Sunzal works best on SW swells, and is a deep water reef break.

Because of its perfection, it can often get crowded which makes staying nearby a must-do, so that you can check conditions hourly, taking advantage of when the crowds thin out, tidal changes, or early morning dawn patrols.

This thick and rolling, gentle (but can get gnarly on the right swell), amazing wave offers multiple take-off areas that gives surfers the opportunity to pick up a wave when someone falls off, and/or, if you’re the lucky one that scored a wave on the outside, you can work it through to the inside, connecting 3 peaks of seemingly never ending perfect walls.

This allows for enough turns to leave your legs burning! It’s a wave that’s a joy to surf at 3’ or 15’, and with the Kayu Bar located directly in front of the wave with its three-levels of viewing and dining areas, grabbing a bite to eat and refueling while cheering your friends on out front, IS your day-to-day reality.

So if paradise to you sounds like surfing an amazing wave until your arms can’t possibly paddle another stroke, followed by lazy afternoons spent soaking in the pool, lounging in a hammock or sleeping in a/c to cool your sunburned skin, while immersed in a friendly and welcoming culture, then grab your board, book a plane ticket to El Salvador, and let the adventures begin!

Reserve your stay at CASA SUNZAL by visiting www.airbnb.com/rooms/10339621 F 184 | womenssurfstyle.com | wSSm

“

Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and perma-

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nent, in the ideas of living.

- Miriam Beard

El Tunco at sunset, El Salvador | Photo: Jess Gorton

Sandra Olson, Sunzal, El Salvador Photo: L. Stewart wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 185